How To Tie And Fish The Copper John, The Barr Emerger, And Dozens Of Other Flies - Your Ultimate Guide

If you're an avid fly fisherman, you know what makes a successful day on the water. It's not just about your gear or the location you choose; it's also about the flies you select. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of fly tying and fishing, focusing on two incredibly effective patterns - the Copper John and the Barr Emerger. Not only will you learn how to tie these flies, but you'll also discover dozens of other patterns that can elevate your fishing game to new heights.

Why the Copper John and Barr Emerger are Must-Have Flies

Before we dive into the tying techniques, let's understand why these two flies are so highly regarded among fly fishermen.

The Copper John is a versatile nymph designed by John Barr. Its copper body and abundance of natural-looking materials make it an irresistible temptation for trout. The fly is weighted, allowing it to sink quickly to the desired depth, making it suitable for both rivers and stillwaters. The Copper John is effective throughout the year, making it a reliable choice in a variety of fishing conditions.

Barr Flies: How to Tie and Fish the Copper John, the Barr Emerger, and Dozens of Other Patterns, Variations, and Rigs

by Shannon Takaoka(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12476 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	184 pages

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The Barr Emerger, on the other hand, mimics the emergence of aquatic insects from their nymphal stage. Developed by the renowned fly tyer and guide John Barr, this pattern has gained immense popularity due to its ability to imitate various insects. It excels in imitating mayflies, caddisflies, midges, and even small stoneflies. The Barr Emerger's realistic silhouette and movement in the water consistently fool trout, leading to impressive catch rates.

Tying The Copper John

Now, let's move on to the practical aspects of tying and fishing these effective flies.

Materials required:

• Hook: Size 12-18 nymph hook
• Bead: Copper or brass bead to match hook size
• Thread: Black or brown 6/0 for the body
• Tail: Pheasant tail fibers
• Abdomen: Copper wire
• Thorax: Peacock herl
• Legs: Brown round rubber legs

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Start by sliding the copper or brass bead onto the hook and securing it in place.
2. Attach the thread and form a small thread base.
3. Tie in a few strands of pheasant tail fibers for the tail, approximately the length of the hook shank.
4. Wrap the copper wire around the hook to create the segmented body. Ensure each segment is evenly spaced.
5. Wrap the peacock herl around the thorax region, creating a fuller appearance.
6. Attach the rubber legs to each side of the fly, near the thorax region.
7. Complete the fly by securing all materials with a whip finish and trimming off the excess thread.

Now that you have your Copper John ready, it's time to head out to the water and test its effectiveness.

Tying The Barr Emerger

Let's now explore the step-by-step process of tying the Barr Emerger.

Materials required:

• Hook: Size 16-20 curved nymph hook
• Bead: Tungsten or brass bead
• Thread: Olive or brown 8/0
• Tail: Ginger hackle fibers
• Abdomen: Olive or brown dubbing
• Wing Case: Pearl Mylar
• Thorax: Olive or brown dubbing
• Legs: Ginger hackle

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Attach the bead to the hook and secure it in place.
2. Start the thread behind the bead and make a few wraps to form the base.
3. Tie in a small clump of ginger hackle fibers as the tail, extending slightly beyond the hook bend.
4. Create a slim, tapered abdomen by dubbing the olive or brown dubbing material.
5. Cut a small strip of pearl Mylar and tie it in front of the abdomen as the wing case.
6. Dub the thorax region to create a slightly bulkier section.
7. Tie in two ginger hackle fibers on each side of the thorax area to simulate legs.
8. Complete the fly with a whip finish and trim off any excess thread.

Congratulations! You now have a well-crafted Barr Emerger ready to be tested.

Exploring Other Effective Flies for Fly Fishing

While the Copper John and Barr Emerger are exceptional patterns, there are a multitude of other flies you should consider adding to your fly box. Some popular options include:

• Adams Parachute
• Pheasant Tail Nymph
• Elk Hair Caddis
• Woolly Bugger
• Hare's Ear
• Royal Wulff
• Griffith's Gnat
• Scud
• Zebra Midge

Each of these flies has its unique characteristics and is highly effective in different fishing scenarios. As a passionate fly fisherman, experimenting with various patterns will not only keep the excitement alive but also help you adapt to changing conditions on the water.

The Art of Presentation and Fishing Techniques

Now that you have familiarized yourself with crucial fly patterns, let's discuss some essential presentation and fishing techniques that can significantly enhance your chances of success.

1. Casting and Drifting

When casting, focus on delivering your fly delicately onto the water's surface, imitating natural insect behavior. Drift your fly along the current, paying attention to the water's speed and depth. Adjusting the depth of your fly by adding or removing weight ensures it is in the optimal feeding zone.

2. The Art of Nymphing

Nymphing involves fishing underwater with weighted flies. This technique requires a good understanding of where fish are likely to be holding and feeding. Adjusting the depth of your nymph with split shot or using specialized indicators allows you to detect subtle strikes and effectively present your fly.

3. Matching the Hatch

Observing the insects present on the water and selecting a fly pattern that closely resembles the natural insects can yield remarkable results. By "matching the hatch," you increase the chances of fooling trout into biting your fly.

4. Retrieve Techniques for Streamers

When using streamer flies, experiment with different retrieval techniques. Alternating between slow and fast retrieves, jerking the fly, or performing erratic movements can trigger aggressive strikes from predatory fish.

Tying your own flies and learning various fishing techniques is an incredibly rewarding journey for any fly fisherman. The Copper John and Barr Emerger provide a solid foundation for effective fly patterns, delivering consistent results. However, don't hesitate to explore numerous other patterns tailored to specific conditions and fish species. Remember, honing your skills and experimenting with different techniques will ultimately lead to greater success on the water. So, dive in and embark on this exciting adventure that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and the thrill of reeling in your prized catch.

Barr Flies: How to Tie and Fish the Copper John, the Barr Emerger, and Dozens of Other Patterns, Variations, and Rigs

by Shannon Takaoka(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12476 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	184 pages

FREE

Barr is the most successful designer of commercially distributed flies in the world. The Barr Emerger is an unrivaled pattern for western mayfly situations, and the Copper John has evolved into the most popular fly of the millennium. Learn Barr's methods for tying his favorite flies, with step-by-step instructions and clear color photos so even inexperienced tiers can create the Copper John, Barr Emerger, B/C Hopper, Tung Teaser, Slumpbuster, and more.